Maker: Asai & O'Malley (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)Item num: 88851*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***Blade length: 3.00 in.Total length: 7.25 in.Blade width: 0.90 in.Blade thickness: 0.07 in.Item weight: 3.04 oz.Blade: Deeply etched stainless nickel Damascus san mai with SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel, Rc 64-65Bolster: Satin finished pinned steel bolsterHandle: Masur birchDescription: This is one-of-a-kind knife is a collaboration between bladesmiths Azai and Daniel O'Malley. During one of his visits in Japan, Mr. O'Malley met with Azai to discuss the possibility of working on a series of collaborative knives. Azai would forge and finish the blade. Mr. O'Malley would finish the knife with deluxe handles better fit for the Western market.
Paring knives are exceptional for detail tasks - from taking the eyes out of potatoes to removing the tops from strawberries.
Each knife is individually hand-forged beginning with an SG powdered metallurgical (PM) stainless steel core (hagane). The smaller crystalline size of this PM steel results in superior edge holding when compared to nearly any stainless steel. The central core is surrounded by many layers of deeply etched nickel Damascus. These many layers of steel result in a surface that helps food release from the knife's side when cut. This time consuming process creates a stunning blade with outstanding edge holding. The blade is distal tapered for optimal balance and has an extremely thin, keen edge for superlative performance.
The handle was formed from stabilized masur birch. The dark wood has a lovely grain pattern that nicely complements the suminagashi pattern of the blade. The handle has been formed from a single piece of wood, ensuring the grain pattern matches either side of the tang. The handle is profiled so as to be very comfortable and provide a secure hold. Two brass hidden bolt rivets and a complex mosaic pin secure the scales to the full tang. The have been profiled to match the wood. The mosaic pin combines stainless steel with brass. This knife feels as good as it looks.Availability: Not currently available